BVB330 Synthetic Biology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The field of Synthetic Biology has emerged from decades of advances in DNA sequencing and editing technologies. Thanks to the increasing information available describing DNA sequence-function relationships, scientists can design and build new biological parts (like enzymes), new genetic programs (connecting multiple biological parts), and even new organisms.  These products of synthetic biology are used to improve agricultural practices, reduce pollution, develop new therapeutics, and create new bio-based chemicals and materials. In this unit you will be introduced to bioinformatic tools for analysing DNA, and for designing new genetic circuits.  You will apply this knowledge to design, edit and implement genetic programs in vitro and in live organisms, and develop data analysis skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the functional relationships between different types of genetic parts and how they can be used to create genetic programs.
2. Demonstrate competence in core synthetic biology skills for designing and analysing genetic programs and engineered organisms.
3. Analyse and interpret experimental data generated in laboratory classes.
4. Interpret current literature and data to design synthetic biology solutions to real-world problems.
5. Identify international and local regulatory frameworks for the commercial development of genetic resources, particularly with respect to Indigenous knowledge and traditional ownership.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit consists of a range of learning activities including a face-to-face tutorial and laboratory session each week which will be supported by pre-recorded videos and other online resources. The ideas presented in online resources and tutorials will be further developed and reinforced in laboratory practical classes, and in a research project proposal that you will develop.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Ongoing oral and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester on your performance in analytical and practical exercises. This feedback will help you in preparing your research proposal.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment in this unit will consist of:

• Practical reports demonstrating your ability to describe, interpret, and contextualise laboratory research as you would in a research publication.
• A research proposal demonstrating your ability to design a synthetic biology experiment aimed at solving a real-world problem

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping

Practical reports: Progressive assessment based on the successful completion of practical exercises in laboratory classes. You are required to submit two reports on two linked practical learning modules spanning weeks 1-9. You will use in vitro synthetic biology to prototype genetic parts and then apply these parts in an engineered microorganism.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes

Progressive assessment based on the successful completion of practical exercises in laboratory classes. You are required to submit a report on the practical learning module spanning weeks 10-13 focused on synthetic biology with eukaryotes.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Research Project Proposal

You will generate a research proposal aimed at solving a problem.  You will be provided with guidelines and a general structure and present your proposal clearly outlining the topic, research problem, proposed solution, experimental approach and expected outcomes.  

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Safety and protective equipment

This unit has a large practical laboratory component. Students will need to provide their own lab coat and safety glasses.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area that will be indicated to you.

Course Learning Outcomes

ST01 Bachelor of Science

1. Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes, Research Project Proposal
2. Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal
3. Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes, Research Project Proposal
4. Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes
5. Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal

ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)

1. Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes, Research Project Proposal
2. Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes
3. Evaluate and synthesise complex scientific information, research outcomes and arguments and communicate these to scientists and non-scientists using appropriate communication styles in a variety of formats.
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal
4. Demonstrate personal accountability and ethical practice in scholarship and research and critically assess the societal impact of science and technology
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal

SV02 Bachelor of Science

1. Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes, Research Project Proposal
2. Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal
3. Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes, Research Project Proposal
4. Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
   Relates to: Laboratory practical report: genetic design and prototyping , Laboratory practical report: synthetic biology with eukaryotes
5. Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
   Relates to: Research Project Proposal